Game Warden Field Notes

Posted: Sunday, March 04, 2007

Game wardens, like other law enforcement officers, must deal with quirky situations. Here are some taken from TPWD reports:

Want fries with that? In late December, a Burnet County game warden pursued an individual advertising deer meat for sale over the Internet. The warden purchased an advertised "Happy Meal No. 1" from the suspect and scheduled a pick-up time. Upon meeting, the suspect filled the warden's order and was consequently made aware of the sting. The suspect's computer, firearms and meat were seized. Further investigation revealed the suspect had killed at least 24 deer in the past two years, and sold numerous processed deer over the Internet. Restitution is approximately $16,000.

Diapers and drum: A Harris County game warden received numerous complaints in November about a woman catching undersized fish and hiding them in her car. When the warden approached the suspect, she was removing a diaper bag from her vehicle. After receiving permission to search the car, no fish were found. The warden then asked to search the bag. Eleven undersize black drum, one undersize flounder and several hardheads were found among baby items. Cases are pending.

Homeless hideout: A lease hunter attempted to get in his deer stand Nov. 4 and encountered a trespasser in it. A Montgomery County game warden was called, and the trespassing man was escorted off the property. After placing the suspect in handcuffs and interviewing him, it was learned the man was homeless and was living in different stands on the lease. The suspect had an extensive criminal and mental health history. He was released to a family member. Case pending.

Divine dealings: A Bell County game warden was setting up on one of his prime spots for road hunters in October when a driver approached and shot an armadillo off the road. When the suspect was apprehended, he advised the warden he was killing it for the oil of the armadillo to treat a medical condition, and God told him it was OK. Case pending.